Armed forces rescue over 76,500 people in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir

The armed forces have rescued over 76,500 people in the flood-ravaged parts of Jammu and Kashmir where around 30,000 troops along with 80 transport aircraft and helicopters including the world's biggest Mi-26T chopper have been deployed for the relief operations.

"Over 76,500 persons have been rescued so far by the armed forces and NDRF from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the state. 80 transport aircraft and helicopters of Air Force and Army Aviation Corps have been pressed into service," the Defence Ministry said in a release.

The Army has deployed 329 columns (approximately 30,000 troops) for rescue and relief operations, of which 244 are deployed in Srinagar region and 85 in Jammu region, it said. So far, 710 sorties have been undertaken by the choppers and aircraft of the services out of which 97 sorties were carried out today. 807 tonnes of relief materials were dropped by the Air Force. Armed forces personnel were distributing water bottles and food packets on a large scale. So far 2,10,000 litres of water, 2.6 tonne of biscuit, seven tonne baby food and 31,000 food packets have already been airdropped and distributed in the flood-affected areas.

To restore tele-communication, the Army has provided 9 satellite phones to the state administration and is shifting a mobile network of BSNL from Kargil to Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar to establish communication network in nearby areas. To help civilians telephone their relatives, the Army is also supplying 38 generators with mobile phone charging sets.